SUGAR 



57 



The trunk of the tree about midway is very much 

 enlarged in diameter, thus distinguishinj^^ it from otlier 

 varieties of palms. 



The fruit when allowed to ripen is exceedingly rich, and 

 has a perfume like apricots. The Arabs cut it in slices, and 

 boil it with water till a strong syrup is obtained. 



Toddy is obtained from it at Benguela District, West 

 Africa. 



Date Sugar Palm 



{Phccnix sylvestriH) 



A native of India, called Sendhi, etc. (Hindustani) ; Tt- 

 chumpannay, etc. (Tamil) ; and Ita, etc. (Telegu). It has no 

 root suckers, and is .thus distinguished from the Date Palm 

 {PhctMiix, dactfjlifera) from which edible dates are obtained, 

 and tlie leaflets make half a right angle with the common 

 petiole. It is found most abundantly in Bengal, Beliar, 

 Coromandel Coast, and Guzerat ; there are also extensive 

 forests at Rohilkhand, on low ground along the Ranganga 

 River, and on the plateau of Mysore between Shimoga 

 and Tumkur, India. 



It is commonly cultivated and self-sown in India and 

 Ceylon, except Sind and South West Pimjaub. 



The trees are planted 12 feet apart, and left untouched 

 until the seventh year, when the tapping for juice commences. 

 There are two series or storeys of leaves : the crown leaves, 

 which rise straight out of the top of the trunk ; and the 

 lateral leaves, which spring out of the side of the top part of 

 the trunk. When the rainy season is over the lateral leaves 

 are cut off for half of the circumference, and thus leave a 



